Description
These Air Fryer Witch Finger Chicken Tenders are a spooky and fun Halloween-themed snack or dinner, featuring crispy breaded chicken strips shaped like witch fingers, complete with almond ‘fingernails.’ They are quick to prepare and cooked perfectly in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to frying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breast, sliced into finger-shaped strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12–16 whole almonds (for fingernails)
- Cooking spray or oil, for spraying
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken into finger-shaped strips and season lightly with salt and pepper to add flavor.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken strip first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Add Almond Fingernails: Press a whole almond onto the tip of each coated chicken strip to resemble a witch’s fingernail.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare for Cooking: Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the breaded chicken tenders with cooking spray or oil to promote crispiness.
- Air Fry the Tenders: Place the tenders in the basket in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a fun and festive treat.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken strips are of similar size for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- For extra crispiness, spray the tenders again halfway through cooking.
- These make a great party appetizer or Halloween-themed dinner for kids and adults alike.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 tenders)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
